The East Central Railway (ECR) has introduced a temporary two-minute halt for the Gaya-Kamakhya Express at Sultanganj station to accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims during the Shravani Mela 2026. This initiative aims to streamline travel for devotees heading to Baba Dham throughout the holy month of Sawan.
Key highlights of the new halt arrangement:
- Temporary halt duration: Two minutes at Sultanganj station.
- Effective dates: July 30 to August 28, 2026.
- Train 15620 Kamakhya-Gaya Weekly Express: Arrives at 00:11 AM and departs at 00:13 AM (valid from August 3 to August 24, 2026).
- Train 15619 Gaya-Kamakhya Weekly Express: Arrives at 05:45 PM and departs at 05:47 PM (valid from August 4 to August 25, 2026).
- Additional support: 12 pairs of Shravani Mela special trains have been introduced to handle passenger surge.
Enhanced Connectivity for Pilgrims
To ensure a smooth travel experience, the ECR has taken proactive steps to manage the expected crowd at Sultanganj. Beyond the Gaya-Kamakhya Express, five other express trains have been granted temporary halts at the station to facilitate easier access for devotees. Furthermore, railway officials have announced that if passenger footfall becomes exceptionally high, the scheduled halt duration for these trains may be extended up to five minutes to ensure safe boarding and deboarding.
Travel Advisory for Devotees
With the introduction of 12 pairs of Shravani Mela Special trains, the railway administration is working hard to reduce congestion on regular routes. Passengers are strongly advised to check the latest train schedules and halt updates through the official IRCTC website or the NTES app before planning their journey. Given the high demand during the Shravani Mela, keeping track of real-time arrivals and departures will help pilgrims avoid any last-minute inconvenience at the station.